"U.S. military academies are an excellent option for students committed to pursuing a higher education," Grassley said. "I continue to be amazed at the number of qualified young men and women who submit applications to my office. Iowa's education system is an excellent training ground for students to further their education in one of the U.S. military academies."
Grassley said that young Iowans who wish to attend a military academy should send a letter to him in Washington, D.C. stating their desire to apply to one of the academies. Grassley will then send application forms to the nominee. Young Iowans must be at least 17, but less than 23 years of age by July 1 of the year they would enter. Grassley suggests that those interested in attending a U.S. military academy in the summer of 2003, should begin the application process immediately.
Grassley nominates ten young Iowans to each U.S. military academy for acceptance. The final decision then lies with each academy. Often, several of Grassley's nominees are selected for admittance into the academies.
Nominees are selected by a competitive process based on the following criteria: ACT or SAT scores, class rank, grade point average, extra-curricular activities, physical aptitude, leadership skills, and teacher and community recommendations.
Young men and women interested in attending a U.S. military academy should send a letter requesting application forms to the following address:
Sen. Chuck Grassley
Attn: Betty Burger
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510